The Hayabusa class guided missile patrol boats were built by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF). Six boats were commissioned in to the JMSDF between 2002 and 2004.

The Hayabusa class has been developed as a replacement to the PG 1-go class hydrofoil missile boats. The first two boats were approved under the FY99 budget, the second and third pair under FY00 and FY01 budgets respectively.

The keel for the lead boat in class, Hayabusa (PG 824), was laid down at MHI’s Shimonoseki Shipyard & Machinery Works in November 2000. It was launched in June 2001 and commissioned in March 2002. Wakataka (PG 825) was laid in November 2000, launched in September 2001 and commissioned in March 2002. Otaka (826) was laid in October 2001, launched in May 2002 and commissioned in March 2003.

Kumataka (PG 827) was laid in October 2001, launched in August 2002 and commissioned in March 2003. Umitaka (PG 828) was laid in December 2002, launched in May 2003 and commissioned in March 2004. The final ship in class, Shiritaka (PG 829), was laid in December 2002, launched in August 2003 and commissioned in March 2004.

“The Hayabusa class has been developed as a replacement to the PG 1-go class.”

Design and features

Problems in the PG 1 boats were corrected in the Hayabusa class. The standard displacement was increased to four times the 50t PG 1-go class for improved seaworthiness. The high speed of the vessel enhances interception capabilities. A single-hull design was opted for improved hull strength and seaworthiness. The long and narrow hull is made of high quality steel. The V-shaped bottom provides stability at higher speeds.

The Hayabusa class features some stealth characteristics. The superstructure was sloped to reduce direct radar reflection. The tripod mast and 76mm gun incorporate stealth features. Hayabusa has a length of 50m, a width of 8.4m, a depth of 4.2m and a draft of 1.7m. Displacement of the boat is 200t. The ship complements a crew of 21. It can carry a 6.3m rigid-inflatable boat (RIB) for boarding and inspection duties.

Command and control

Hayabusa is equipped with Maritime Operational Force (MOF) System and OYQ-8 CDS (Combat Data System). MOF is the key command system commonly installed in the MSDF fleet. It is interoperable with other JMSDF units. The boat receives the attack orders and other information from the Regional District Headquarters through the satellite communication.

Weapon systems

Hayabusa is armed with two Type 90 ship-to-ship missile (SSM-1B) twin launchers installed at the stern and at front deck. SSM-1B can carry a 260kg warhead for a maximum range of 200km. The main gun fitted forward is an Otobreda 76mm super rapid dual purpose gun. It can fire 120rpm for a maximum range of 30,000m. Two M2 12.7mm machine guns are also mounted on the back of the bridge.

Sensors / radars

The sensor suite consists of a JRC OPS-18 surface search radar, and a JRC OPS-20 navigation radar operating in I-band (8 to 10GHz).

Countermeasures

Hayabusa is installed with two six round Mk 137 rocket launchers for MK 36 Super Rapid Bloom offboard countermeasures chaff and decoy launching system. The system can launch an array of chaff cartridges to deceive incoming missiles. Other equipment includes a NOLR-9B interceptor and OAX-2 tracking and surveillance system.

Propulsion

The Hayabusa class is powered by 3-axis gas turbine propulsion system. It consists of three LM500-G07 gas turbine engines driving three water jets. The gas turbine engines were built by Ishikawajima-Harima (now IHI Corporation) under licence from General Electric.

Each engine is independently connected to the nozzle of one water jet. The propulsion system developing a total power of 16,200shp provides a maximum speed of 44kt.